Suspect released after investigation, workers experiencing fear amidst uncertainty
PRUNEDALE, Calif. (KION-TV) -- A tense start to the week for law enforcement in Prunedale Monday, after a briefcase was found leaning against a California Highway Patrol car. Investigators say it happened while CHP officers were having breakfast at the Country Kitchen near Highway 101.
“We take everything on a case-by-case basis, but due to the nature of being able to watch the video footage and the fact that somebody set a bag next to a car, it looked suspicious on its face.” CHP Captain Nicholas King says after officers reviewed that footage, they called in the help of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office's bomb squad.
“While they were responding, deputies were also able to locate an individual matching that of the person seen in the video putting the bag up against the CHP unit,” said Commander Andres Rosas with the Monterey County Sheriff's Department. Rosas added that the person was momentarily detained for questioning and was later determined they be released without facing charges. “Once the bombs bomb team arrived on the scene, they were able to approach the bag and confirm that there was no dangerous item inside.
Authorities say the black bag turned out to have only a DVD player inside. At that time, it was determined that the object posed no threat to the community. However, cooks from the nearby restaurant said they felt scared during the time of uncertainty.
“Mientras si o no si genera tension,” Emiliano Escamilla, a cook at Country Kitchen where the scene unfolded, says the situation was scary and tense. “Los policías deberían haber hecho algo,” his colleague Fernando feels that authorities should have moved them out of the restaurant since it was very near the place of potential danger.
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office is reminding people that they should make sure to let officers know when returning lost objects.
“They could have also approached the officers or any deputies in the area and said, hey, I found a bag. I'd like to turn this in,” said Commander Rosas. “When you don't do it following those, you know, common sense procedures, something like what happened today could result.”
Road closures along Northbound US 101 to the Vierra Canyon Road off-ramp, and State Route 156 to northbound US 101 were lifted around noon when officers cleared the area.
Roads reopen after suspicious package investigation reveals DVD player, one person remains detained
PRUNEDALE, Calif. (KION) - Roads are reopened after the Monterey County Sheriff's Office uncovered a DVD player in a suspicious package investigation in Prunedale.
Northbound US 101 to the Vierra Canyon Road off-ramp, along with State Route 156 to northbound US 101, are now reopened to traffic after tense moments involving a computer bag leaning against a California Highway Patrol car led to an investigation.
The car was parked near the Country Kitchen restaurant with the bomb squad investigating the package, only to find a DVD player. It is unknown if the player contained anything of note, but no explosives were found.
One person remains detained for having left the package behind.
This is a developing story. We will provide more details as soon as they become available.
One person detained during suspicious package investigation in Prunedale
PRUNEDALE, Calif. (KION) - One person has been detained in a suspicious package investigation in Prunedale.
According to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, a suspicious package, which appears to be a black computer bag, was found leaning against a California Highway Patrol car near the Country Kitchen in Prunedale.
A suspect was identified and then detained. The identity of the suspect has not been shared as the investigation remains ongoing.
Road closures along State Route 156 and Viera Canyon Road remain in place, with businesses nearby still open.
This is a developing story. We will provide more details as soon as they become available.
Investigation leads to road closures in Prunedale
PRUNEDALE, Calif. (KION) - An investigation into the U.S. 101 near the Country Kitchen is leaving roads closed near the area.
On Facebook, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office has listed that the northbound US 101 to Vierra Canyon Road off-ramp is closed, along with State Route 156 to northbound US 101.
There is no suggested reopening time; however, detours via southbound San Miguel Canyon Road, Prunedale South Road, or eastbound State Route 156 are recommended to access Vierra Canyon Road.
This is a developing story. We will provide more details as soon as they become available.
